Mesoamerica: Aztec, Maya, Inca
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MAYA CIVILIZATION • Reached its peak between 250-900 A.D. • Estimated population at the peak was about 2 million people • Planted maize, beans, squash and other vegetables. Maya were active traders and exchanged goods across a network of roads. • Ruled by a theocracy (government led by religious leaders) • Developed a system of writing called hieroglyphics, used advanced mathematics and astronomy and developed a 365-day calendar • By 1200, the Maya civilization had declined and cities were
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Transcript of Mesoamerica: Aztec, Maya, Inca
MAYA CIVILIZATION• Reached its peak between 250-900 A.D.• Estimated population at the peak was about 2
million people• Planted maize, beans, squash and other
vegetables. Maya were active traders and exchanged goods across a network of roads.
• Ruled by a theocracy (government led by religious leaders)
• Developed a system of writing called hieroglyphics, used advanced mathematics and astronomy and developed a 365-day calendar
• By 1200, the Maya civilization had declined and cities were deserted. Descendants of the Maya still live in parts of Mexico and Central America today.
AZTEC CIVILIZATION• Developed centuries after the Maya in
Central Mexico• Built the capital city of Tenochtitlan• Created a military empire and conquered
surrounding communities• Believed in many gods and performed
human sacrifices to ensure abundant harvests
• The empire was brought down in 1492 by Spanish Conquistadors (conquering explorers)
INCA CIVILIZATION• Developed in the western highlands of
South America around 800 years ago• Empire stretched for more than 3000 miles• Population rose to 9 million at its height• Also a theocracy – people worshiped the
Sun god• Incan advances included
10,000 miles of paved roadsrope bridges crossingcanyons and riversTerrace platforms toplant crops
